2/9/13 - Organizers say a one-day event that helps the homeless and other community members in need connect with local information and services was a success. The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Careâs 6th annual Community Connect event took place last weekend at Parker Middle School in Howell, serving more than 900 guests ranging in age from infant to over 75-years-old. They accessed take-home items and thousands of hours of free services including haircuts, massages, health screenings, food resources and others. Thatâs in addition to countless sessions of one-on-one information sharing and resource networking with over 50 organizations. Officials say basic care items that can be difficult to afford and access when someone is in poverty were also distributed to guests including more than 900 personal care bags filled with items by LOVE Inc., 1,700 fresh meals prepared and donated by Cornerstone Evangelical Church, more than 12,000 articles of clothing and over 18,000 pounds of groceries donated by Gleaners. More than 230 individuals also received bedding items such as comforters, pillows and blankets. Organizers say tremendous thanks is owed to Howell Public Schools for donating the space but note Community Connect would not have been possible without the help of more than 400 exceptional volunteers â a number of which were said to be paying it forward, having attended as guests in prior years but coming back as volunteers. A complete summary of the event can be found below. (JM)
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